7 ways to climate change-proof your home against extreme weather
When you take measures to climate change-proof your home, it contributes to your community’s resilience — Photo courtesy of Amit Vashisht / iStock Via Getty Images Plus
From wildfires on the West Coast to massive flooding in the Southeast, homeowners across the country are increasingly at the mercy of natural disasters exacerbated by climate change. A community’s resilience in the face of natural disaster is imperative to minimizing damages and loss. You can help build resilience by taking steps to climate change-proof your home.
“Climate resilience is critical, especially at the individual level,” says Johanna Nalau, an associate professor and adaptation scientist at Griffith University School in Queensland, Australia. “Individual actions can strengthen community resilience, as better prepared households will fare better during climate impacts and suffer less damages. Resources then can be put toward the recovery of key infrastructure and services.”
In this article, we show you how to get started in building your home’s resilience in extreme weather.
How to climate change-proof your home
Use fire-resistant caulk when filling in exterior cracks to climate change-proof your home — Photo courtesy of kali9 / iStock Via Getty Images
The first step is identifying your region’s vulnerabilities. Is your area prone to flooding or heat waves? What about hurricanes and tornados? Are wildfires an issue? A great resource for this research is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s National Risk Index, where you can view a map that details the exact vulnerabilities that every state, town, and county has when it comes to natural disasters. Review your region and take note of what you need to keep in mind when making your home climate change-proof.
Nalau notes three main threats: extreme heat, severe storms and flooding, and wildfires.
“Many houses weren’t built with these climate challenges in mind,” she says. “Strengthening homes through better insulation, flood protection, and fire-resistant materials can make a big difference.”
Here are seven climate-resistant home upgrades to consider.
Plant drought-resistant trees and other vegetation around the house
Drought-resistant trees and vegetation provide shade and create cooler spaces by lowering temperatures and combatting the heat island effect. Plus, surrounding your home with plants that can withstand drought (and don’t easily burn) can save you from digging out dead vegetation after every heat wave or dry season. At minimum, plant trees and other flora on the southern side, which receives the most sunlight during the day.
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Secure outdoor items
If you live in an area prone to hurricanes, storms, and high winds, make sure outdoor furniture, playscapes, and other outdoor property are safely secured. Tie down heavy outdoor items, so they don’t blow away and potentially cause more property damage. Identify what can be brought inside in an emergency and have a plan for how you can quickly accommodate those items indoors.
Keep valuables and power sources off the ground
If you live in a flood zone, keep treasured items, such as family heirlooms and other precious belongings, off the floor. Store these items in plastic bins or up high on shelves. Also, consider elevating your wall outlets. When possible, opt for furniture with metal or plastic legs to keep upholstery from touching the floor. Consider swapping wood floors and carpet for tile flooring as a climate-resistant home upgrade.
Improve the insulation of your home
Weather stripping is an effective way to climate change-proof your home — Photo courtesy of AvailableLight / E+
According to the World Economic Forum, 85% of single-family homes were built pre-2000, meaning that many of these homes have ineffective insulation and air sealing if they haven’t been upgraded. Insulation is a fantastic climate-resistant home upgrade for those in regions experiencing extreme temperatures.
“Better insulation helps keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter while also cutting energy costs,” says Nalau.
Other insulation measures to climate change-proof your home include adding weather stripping around exterior doors and attic spaces, getting solar window tinting, and installing blackout window shades.
Leverage the latest technology
Things like smart thermostats and cool roofs can keep indoor temperatures regulated during heat waves and cold snaps. To offset costs, look for city rebates and green financing programs that help residents climate change-proof their homes.
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Fire-proof your home’s exterior
Making sure your home’s exterior is fire-resistant is a vital step to climate change-proof your home. Replace vinyl window frames with metal ones, and consider using stucco, cement, or other construction materials less flammable than wood siding. Lessen the amount of yard debris on your property and use non-combustible mulch, like decomposed granite and gravel, in beds around your home. Consider installing fire sprinklers outside your home and upgrading to a metal roof. Use fire-resistant foam or caulking to seal cracks and gaps in your walls.
Invest in good property insurance
Regularly review your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy to ensure you have ample coverage. Prioritize coverage for the natural disasters most common in your region. Also, when considering a relocation, be aware that as climate change-related natural disasters increase in certain areas of the country, insurance companies are either raising premiums significantly or halting coverage altogether.
